General Counsel Outside Litigation | Public Entity Pooling | Hybrid

Role: Litigation Counsel – Public Entity Pooling (Hybrid) Hybrid setting: 2 days in the Sacramento, CA Sedgwick office and 3 days remote. Approximately 5% travel within the San Francisco Bay Area. Primary Purpose of the Role The Designated Litigation Manager acts as the pool client representative, oversees the pool’s liability program, ensures the application of management principles to the litigation process, and oversees use of outside counsel. The role is responsible for strategy, planning, control, organization, implementation, oversight, and monitoring in the context of legal services and related costs. Ideal Candidate 8+ years of experience collaborating with outside counsel and claims examiners to oversee litigated claims. Knowledge of litigation and trial process in the pool’s jurisdiction, discovery process, evidentiary rules, civil procedure, assessment of counsel performance, presentation skills. Experience in strategic planning and negotiation with public entities in Northern California. Essential Responsibilities Analyze inquiries and provide guidance related to memorandums of coverage, risk transfer, litigation process, case strategy and additional covered parties’ issues. Review member contracts submitted to pool administration, prepare presentations on claims and issues of interest for meetings and strategic planning. Attend member meetings and introductions, address concerns involving members, third‑party administrator (TPA) or case development. Provide training materials and presentations for members and coordinate with pool administrator on cases, claims, and messaging. Oversee the pool’s liability program. Represent the pool in liability matters by participating in litigation proceedings as the representative of the pool; attend mock trials, focus groups, mediations, settlement conferences, and trials. Prepare claim processing instructions for use by TPA, prepare and revise policies as necessary, conduct quarterly file reviews with TPA, and provide feedback to TPA on claim handling concerns. Review TPA recommendations on government claim actions, provide direction and recommendations on government claim responses; monitor TPA for compliance with contractual obligations and annual memorandum of coverage (MOC) review. Review monthly financial and/or litigation reports from TPA, conduct annual review of defense panel, update defense panel, communicate with admin team regarding litigation management / MOC / member issues; respond to audits. Attend meetings of the pool’s committees related to claims matters, litigation and MOC, board of directors, and other governance meetings. Ensure application of management principles to the litigation process and use of outside counsel. Responsible for early assignment of defense counsel to high‑exposure incidents upon notification and notification to board and pool administration of potential high‑exposure losses; coordinate with member, TPA, reinsurers, excess carriers, and defense counsel on strategy and experts. Review information to evaluate cases, including police and investigation reports; receive and review incoming Defense Counsel status reports; communicate with defense counsel and prepare communications regarding further strategy. Receive and review pleadings/discovery; research and review available tools for valuation, recommend consultants, assess alternative dispute resolution options, determine desired course of action for case disposition. Manage the pool’s litigation and legal claims via pre‑litigation management and management of litigated matters. Perform preliminary review of new matters for coverage and coordinate with coverage or board counsel. Review litigation budget and initial reserves. Present and discuss case‑specific information to the pool’s applicable committee or board for informational purposes, or to obtain settlement authority or approval; provide strategic direction and decision‑making at trial when required; monitor trials and provide feedback and recommendations to trial counsel. Education & Licensing Eight (8) years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited college or university. Current license(s) to practice law in the pool’s jurisdiction or jurisdictions. Skills & Knowledge Knowledge of litigation and trial process in the pool’s jurisdiction. Working knowledge of discovery process, evidentiary rules, and civil procedure. Sufficient knowledge to assess performance of counsel at trial. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills. PC literate, including Microsoft Office products. Analytical and interpretive skills. Strong organizational skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent negotiating skills. Ability to create and complete comprehensive, accurate, and constructive written reports. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to meet or exceed Performance Competencies. Benefits Flexible work schedule. Referral incentive program. Career development and promotional growth opportunities. Diverse and comprehensive benefits offering including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) on day one. Compensation Salary range: $150,000 to $185,000 USD Annual Salary. Bonus eligible. Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k) and matching, PTO, disability and life insurance, employee assistance, flexible spending or health savings account, and additional voluntary benefits. Work Environment When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations. Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work‑related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines. Physical: Sit for extended periods (up to eight hours) in non‑office settings (such as courtroom galleries) computer keyboarding, travel as required. Auditory/Visual: Hearing, vision and talking. Legal and Equal Opportunity Statements Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Diego Fair Chance Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act, and all other applicable laws. Sedgwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug‑Free Workplace. #J-18808-Ljbffr Sedgwick